Helmet-Induced Hair Loss: Causes and Solutions

If you also have been wearing a helmet for a long time and noticing hair loss lately, it might interest you to know the relation between helmet and hair loss. So, let’s discover how wearing a helmet causes hair loss and get some tips for preventing hair loss while wearing a helmet.

Using a helmet regularly indicates you are a responsible rider and citizen. But wearing it inappropriately can lead to hair fall. Wearing it for a long time throughout the day leads to sweat buildup and fosters bacterial growth on the scalp, leading to folliculitis. Besides incorrect technique, wearing bad quality helmets may lead to traction on hairs, excessive sweat build-up and may cause fungal infections like seborrheic dermatitis.

The most significant effect of wearing a helmet on hair health is traction alopecia. It is a condition where hair follicles are damaged on account of constant tension or pulling over a prolonged period. It is often noticed in people who frequently wear tight hairstyles like cornrows, braids, etc. It happens because the helmet is excessively tight or fits improperly. If your helmet is pulling on your hair or exerting excessive pressure, it can lead to inflammation at the hair roots and cause hair loss. You should remain watchful about it.

Here are some reasons for hair loss owing to the use of helmets.

Inappropriate Use of Helmets

An ill-fitted helmet is a significant reason for hair loss. An excessively tight or too loose helmet can cause hair damage. Accordingly, you should remain careful while putting on and removing the helmet. If you experience tension or pulling on hair follicles (as mentioned above) while wearing or removing the helmet, it can cause traction alopecia.

The Helmet’s Dirty Inner Lining

A helmet’s inner lining gets dirty and greasy due to dirt, germs, sweat, etc. which gets transferred from your hair to the helmet pads. If you do not clean your helmet thoroughly and regularly, you may encounter seborrhea or folliculitis at some point. Besides, you should wear helmets with removable lining pads, thus simplifying washing them. Always make sure that there is enough cushioning effect without being tight and suffocating.

Helmet Bacteria

Helmets gather sweat and dirt, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. These contaminants stay on your head and build on your scalp until you remove the helmet. While washing your head, you should also wash the helmet to avoid bacterial spread while wearing the helmet the next time.

Here’s a list of tips to prevent hair loss due to helmets.

• Select the right helmet for your head size
• Ensure you do not feel tension or pulling while wearing or removing the helmet
• Wear and remove the helmet gently
• Deep clean the helmet regularly
• Clean and dry the helmet thoroughly
• Wrap a cloth on your head and then wear a helmet on it
• Avoid wearing a helmet on wet hair
• Wash your hair every alternate date with a dermatologist-prescribed shampoo
• Precondition your hair regularly to keep the hair hydrated
• Avoid using anyone else’s helmet!

Do you have more questions about helmet and hair loss? Visit us at HairMD and get specific consultation, diagnosis, and treatment for helmet-related hair loss.